“I provide my clients with clear advice, smart strategies, honest representation and a small dose of humor to help them get through an otherwise difficult time.”

-Attorney Lisa Stern

I have been practicing law nearly 24 years and currently accept matters solely involving issue of family law. For the first fifteen years of my law career, I handled a variety of cases including but not limited to family law, contract litigation, general civil litigation, asbestos litigation, plaintiff’s personal injury and criminal defense. I decided about ten years ago that I did not wish to be a “jack of all trades” but rather to be an expert in a single area of law. My passion for working with individuals and knowing that my assistance can have a significant and positive impact not only my client, but their children’s lives was the motivator for my decision to exclusively practice family law.

Since 1995, I have been arguing cases both before judges and juries all throughout Michigan. I am very well acquainted with the family law bench in Oakland, Wayne, Livingston and Macomb counties. I have had trials involving unique areas of family law including Hague Convention cases, LGBTQ cases involving complex legal issues, adoption litigation, cases involving the adoption of Indian children and highly contested custody matters. I represent clients with multi-million-dollar estates and those with nearly no assets. Regardless of a client’s wealth, I provide them with relentless and dynamic representation. I pride myself on fighting for my client’s rights, regardless of the Judge assigned or the opposing counsel.

Since focusing only on family law, I have gained an expertise in the area that most attorneys who merely dabble in family law don’t possess. Given my singular focus on family law, I am acquainted with all changes in case law and statutes and even with those changes in areas of law, other than family law, but that have a direct impact upon my clients. This combined with the knowledge I gained in other areas of law during my first 15 years of practice makes me uniquely qualified to best represent an individual litigant.

Education

Wayne State University School of Law – 1995
Michigan State University – High Honors – 1991

Bar Admissions

State of Michigan
Oakland County Bar Family Law Committee, Member
Wayne County Bar Family Law Committee, Member
State Bar of Michigan, Family Law Section, Member

Practice Areas

Family Law

Honors & Awards

Best Family Law Lawyers, 2020
Super Lawyers, 2016 – present 
Leading Lawyer, Family Law, 2015-Present
dbusiness Top Lawyers, 2014 – 2018, 2022
Best Divorce Attorney by Readers of Hour Detroit Magazine, 2010
Martindale Hubbard Peer Rated for Very High Legal Ability and Ethical Standards

Examples of Excellence

I have had the privilege to successfully litigate legally unique matters in family law including but not limited to the following:

  • Cases involving international child abduction both in the State Circuit Court and the Federal Court systems;
  • Adoption case involving the interplay between the timing and ability of the court to terminate parental rights and a third-party adoption. One of the cases has just been argued before the Michigan Supreme Court and awaiting decision;
  • Second family adoption and novel cases involving how the change in law has affected the LGBTQ community in the family law arena

Professional Affiliations & Credentials

Fair Michigan, Board Member – The Fair Michigan Foundation is fighting to end discrimination in Michigan and ensure the fair treatment of all it’s citizens.

Oakland County Bar Family Law Committee Member, 2017

State Bar of Michigan Family Law Section, Member

Testimonials

Lisa was compassionate and understanding in a time of great fear for me. She gave me confidence to move past fear and find my strength to finally end an abusive marriage. She was both tough and kind in the process. While my divorce wasn’t the end of the craziness and my children and I still struggle to be healthy, my divorce freed me from the daily intimidation and worse… Likely saved my life. I am grateful for Lisa’s strength when I didn’t have much of my own.

Denise

Lisa successfully defended my custodial rights where two other lawyers had fallen short. She understood the nuances of my case right away, maintaining objectivity in order to prioritize my issues. Lisa has been level-headed and measured while being very sympathetic, and is highly respected amongst her peers. Lisa has managed my expectations while encouraging me with her demeanor and actions.

In the end, I got more than a great lawyer; I got a good friend who is invested in what’s best for me and my child.

Peter H.

I came across Lisa from a recommendation of a friend and was not disappointed. From moment one, I was impressed. After hearing a brief history of my case, she had a vision of the direction she wanted to take, along with the confidence I knew I would need in my lawyer. Lisa is a strong, knowledgeable attorney who was always up-front with me, giving me the facts of the case instead of sugar-coating it. Lisa is also extremely thorough with a commanding presence in the courtroom.

I had three lawyers prior to retaining Lisa for my extensive, complicated case. She was the only one who I placed complete trust in. The trust I placed in Lisa to look out for mine and my son’s best interest, along with just simply doing the right thing, was well-founded and uncommon in family law.

I have and will continue to recommend Lisa to anyone in need.

Jeffrey A.

Oh Lisa! My angel and warrior. After dealing with a horrible Domestic Violence situation, Lisa steppes in and removes any worry or doubt in my mind. She gave me peace of mind that allowed me to heal and recover from an abusive relationship and focus on raising my son. She is honest, up front and a fighter. 5 stars is not enough for her! I trust Lisa 100% with my life (my amazing son). Not only has she been my attorney she has been a friend. She takes my calls anyway or time to reassure me that everything is in my favor. You ask for it, Lisa will get it done! God bless you Lisa, thank you for restoring peace in my heart and mind.

Elizabeth Mattie

Lisa is worth every penny. She worked over and beyond humanly possible in my extremely difficult and complex case. Times where I fell and could not see the light or even think anymore – she pushed me through. The hardest opposition I ever had to face in my life was divorce; however, now I can honestly say, I am divorced and in a good place. I am indeed shining again and on my way to be the person God intended. I will always recommend Lisa for any family law case. Thank you Lisa for giving me back a happy & healthy life.

Rita Agius

Lisa is a Godsend! She listens, solves issues creatively with integrity and caring. She has solved problems no one could after taking over my 7 year painful unrelenting divorce.

Doug Zack

If you’re looking for the absolute best representation for you and your children, Lisa is it.

I was successful in my matter because of her experience and skill. She is definitely a fighter and I could not have asked for better representation.

She is also caring of her clients and maintains excellent communication through the process, which is very reassuring.

I almost felt bad for the other side. Almost.

Nick Smith

Awards and Accolades

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